Monday, August 6, 2012

Thanks to Paul and Amy Lagerquist of Skookumchuck Farm for their purchase of BEM Xaralyn!


"Xara" is confirmed bred to LEA Raleigh, a dun bull out of Michigan.  


For those interested in a heifer whose sire is from outside the Northwest, BEM Arianna (DOB 4/10/12) will be available this fall after weaning.  Arianna's sire is DH Montgomery, another bull owned by LEA-White Farms.



Arianna at 1 month old.



Sunday, April 1, 2012

Farm Profile for the Fold



This is a farm profile I just submitted for the summer edition of the Fold, suggestions and editing are welcome!



Blueberry Meadows

by Bonnie McLarty

I really wanted a milk cow. Don't ask me why, I just did. However, being fairly lazy, I didn't know if I actually wanted to milk a cow twice a day, and besides, what did I know about cows? Horses, sure, I'd grown up with those, but my experience with cows was limited to filling syringes and running Herefords through a chute at the ranch of a family friend one summer. I decided that I'd better start with beef animals and learn about cows before I committed to milking one.

I saw my first Highland cow on the internet, quite by accident, which of course led to researching the breed and looking at more cute cow pictures. The year after I graduated college, I'd saved up the money to go cow shopping. I visited several Highland breeders in my quest for cattle. The animals I saw were docile and healthy, just as I imagined. What I hadn't expected was the willingness of the breeders to share their knowledge and expertise. Everyone I met with was friendly and helpful. I purchased two yearling heifers from Paul and Sharon Dillard of Covington Highlands and my cow education began.

Highland breeders are a very encouraging bunch. The next thing I knew I was showing my heifers at the Puyallup Fair. With lots of help from Dillards and some grooming tips from Jake Larson, the show experience went smoothly. This will be my sixth year at the fair, and while I'm pleased that my cows have placed very well, the best part of the fair is the camaraderie and all the things I've learned from other breeders. I've learned quite a bit from the regular fair visitors too. "This is the steer aisle. There's the mommy steer and the daddy steer and the baby steer."

Highlanders have proved to be very adaptable. My cows are currently pastured on a rent-beg-and-borrow scheme while I save money for a land purchase. This means they ride in the trailer a lot. Any vet visits (I'm too cheap for a farm call), pasture changes, AI breeding or hoof trimming--into the trailer they go, and do it well. I've been very happy with their temperament and the way they handle feed and water changes without trouble, as well as their ability to deal with the ever-present rain and muck.

Every year has brought a new challenge or adventure in the cattle department. This year's new experience for me was AI. After using a local bull for several years (Thanks, Bob and Gina!) I decided to bring in some new genetics to my tiny fold, so I bought semen from 3 different bulls owned by LEA-White Farms in Michigan. It will be exciting to see what I get this year and next, as I work towards breeding the best animals that I can.

As far as that milk cow... Every evening I go out to the neighbor's woodlot where my cows currently reside. I carry a large plastic tote, with a cup of molasses-drenched grain, a jar, a washrag , a brush, a halter, and a handful of timothy hay. It's getting lighter in the evenings, which makes it easier to find my cows without the aid of my headlamp. I set my tote down and pull out the halter. My other cows watch with envy while Tara investigates the plastic tote. I tie her to the nearest tree and get down to business. Sometimes her calf has taken most of it, but there's always plenty to steal, and Tara shares without much fuss. I have the best of both worlds, fresh milk the lazy way, without the high volume of expensive feed.

I look forward to owning Highland cattle for many years to come, and meeting many more of you at future shows and Annual Meetings.

Wishing you all healthy calves, tasty beef, and a prosperous show season!



-Bonnie McLarty

Tara's 2012 heifer calf, out of McCloud of Corral Creek

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Highland heifer for sale


Yearling heifer: BEM Xaralyn. "Sara" is a registered red heifer, DOB March 19, 2010. Her dam was the 2008 Grand Ch. Female at the Highland Regional Show and the 2010 Gr. Ch. Cow/Calf. Sara is halter broken and has been shown. She's friendly and curious, and loves being combed. She's ready to be bred this coming spring. Asking $1400.

Sara comes from growthy stock with good feet and movement, dams do well in the show ring and are proven producers. Highlanders are hardy, and thrive on just pasture, hay, and a mineral block, producing lean, flavorful beef. These are grass-fed animals, and have received a handful of grain only a few times, just so that they know what it is.

For more information, call (360) 802-8906 or reply by email (I have more pictures available).

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Bull Calf for sale--SOLD

UPDATE: Yankee place first in his class and went on to win his division (over 7 other bull calves) at the 2011 Northwest Regional Highland Show. The judge praised his depth and muscling.





Bull calf for sale:
BEM Yankee
DOB: 01-19-11
Reg. No. 50,623
Color: dark brindle



Sire: Sheridan of Five Star


Dam: CHW Tia of Covington Highlands



Yankee is halter-broke, mellow, very broad and well-muscled throughout. He also moves very correctly, something my cattle do consistently well. His sire, Sheridan (2007 Grand Champion in Yakima) is a large Highland bull who when last weighed was over 2200 lbs. Yankee's dam, Tia, is a thick, powerful female, who gets fat on grass and hay only while nursing a calf and bred back.


To inquire about animals or come take a look, call (360) 829-7748, or email bemhighlands@gmail.com.




A few August herd photos:









































Saturday, April 2, 2011

Tara's 2011 Bull Calf

BEM Yosemite "Sammy" DOB: March 19, 2011 Sire: Sheridan of Five Star Farm Dam: CHW Tara of Covington Highlands Birth Weight: 70 lbs. Color: red (bits of brindle now showing around the eyes)

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Tia's 2010 bull calf

BEM Yankee DOB: Jan 14, 2011 Sire: Sheridan of Five Star Farm Dam: CHW Tia of Covington Highlands birth weight: 71 lbs. color: brindle/red

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Tara's 2010 heifer calf




BEM Xaralyn "Xara"
Dam: CHW Tara of Covington Highlands
Sire: Sheridan of Five Star Farm

DOB: 03/19/2010